Stories of
American Heroes -
Brought to you from the "Home of Heroes" - Pueblo, Colorado

George Crawford Platt

TAPS

Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night.

Holy Cross Cemetery

Born:February 17, 1842 at Ireland

Entered
Service in the US Army from Philadelphia, PA

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Civil War For heroism
July 03, 1863 at Fairfield, PA

Died:June
20, 1912 at the age of 70

Private George
Platt was one of 63 men who was awarded the Medal of Honor for
heroism in the battle at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 1 - 3,
1863. On the last day of that battle, the 6th U.S. Cavalry rode
to Fairfield, Pennsylvania, to investigate a report of an
unescorted rebel wagon train. North of the city the Union forces
were ambushed by the 7th Virginia Cavalry but repulsed the rebel
forces. General William Jones' Confederate Cavalry Brigade
launched a renewed assault, overwhelming the Union Forces.
During the battle that followed, the color bearer of the 6th
Cavalry was shot down. Private Platt quickly raced to rescue his
flag and was immediately attacked. He tore the colors from the
staff, placing the flag in the breast of his uniform, and rammed
the staff like a spear through the first enemy soldier before
him. He then slashed his way through the remaining rebel
soldiers and, though the 6th Cavalry suffered 242 casualties and
a sad defeat at the hands of the overwhelming number of
Confederate soldiers, Private Platt's heroic actions saved the
flag of the regiment from falling into the enemy's hands.